Abstract: A process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a bulk density in the range from 40 to 400 g/l by extrusion of a polystyrene melt comprising carbon dioxide and/or water as blowing agent through a nozzle and underwater pelletization, wherein the underwater pelletization is carried out at a pressure in the range 1-30 bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of cold forming a shaped foam article having a shape with a high degree of draft with improved surface aesthetics, specifically reduced surface cracking and articles made therefrom. The improvement is using a mold with a reduced-slip cavity surface, preferably a textured cavity surface.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a panel capable of obtaining sufficient strength, weight reduction and sound absorbing performance. A space is formed by an inner thin plate fixed to the inner surface of an outer thin plate, and a foam material is filled in the space. The foam material is preferably a highly foamable rubber sound absorbing material. In the inner thin plate, a perimetrical side part and perimetrical edge part for forming the space, and a concave part for enhancing the strength of the panel are drawn to the side of the outer thin plate. The bottom faces of the perimetrical edge part and concave part of the inner thin plate are bonded to the outer thin plate using a thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: A die plate for a die block can have a coat-hanger-shaped flow path for extruding a molten foamable thermoplastic resin in a form of a sheet. The die plate can be on a downstream side of the coat-hanger-shaped flow path to make a flow rate of the molten foamable thermoplastic resin uniform in a width direction. The die plate can have a multiplicity of delivery apertures. The delivery apertures in opposite side regions can have a diameter greater than a diameter which the delivery apertures in a center region have. A die unit can include a die block, which has a multiple bifurcated manifold terminating in plural coat-hanger-shaped flow paths at downward ends thereof, and a like plural number of similar die plates as described above. A process for producing a wide thermoplastic resin foam can use the die unit.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.

Abstract: A method of making an anisotropic filtration media includes, foaming a media, straining the media in a selected direction, and relieving strain of the media in the selected direction

Abstract: The present invention provides microporous polymers and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, microporous polymers of the present invention are highly porous as indicated by a Gurley air permeability flow rate of about 4 seconds or less per mL of air flow per 25 micron of microporous polymer thickness per square inch.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for employing cathode tubes in metal air battery devices or systems are generally disclosed.

Abstract: Composite and laminated composite padding materials or cushions formed from an elastic foam matrix structurally supporting and encapsulated gel elements are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing such composite and laminated composite padding materials or cushions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Vehicle headliners are prepared with a core layer of a fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is prepared from a polyurethane-forming composition that uses water as a blowing agent and polyol or polyol mixture that has a high functionality and an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of 100-130. The selection of polyols permits cycle times to be reduced by allowing for faster demolding and shortened aging times before post-molding heat lamination steps can be performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to highly elastic polyurethane foams which are suitable as functional materials having thermally insulating properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous polyimide film, comprising reacting an aromatic dianhydride with one or more aromatic diamines in a suitable solvent to form poly(amic acid), adding a dehydrated agent of an acid anhydride and an organic base to the reaction mixture to convert the poly(amic acid) to a polyimide precursor, casting the reaction mixture comprising the polyimide precursor onto a solid support to form a film, coagulating the polyimide precursor in a coagulating bath comprising a mixture of a solvent and a non-solvent to develop a porous structure, and drying the coagulated polyimide precursor in air to form the porous polyimide film. A composite membrane comprising same and its use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous membranes comprising polymer and having well-balanced permeability, shutdown temperature, and pin puncture strength. The invention also relates to methods for making such membranes, and the use of such membranes as battery separator film in, e.g., lithium ion secondary batteries. The membrane has a shutdown temperature <130.5° C.

Abstract: A microporous membrane made of polyolefins which comprises polyethylene (PEA) 8-60 wt. % of which is accounted for by components having a molecular weight of 10,000 or lower and in which the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to the number-average molecular weight (Mn), Mw/Mn, is 11-100 and the viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) is 100,000-1,000,000 and polypropylene, and which has a content of components having a molecular weight of 10,000 or lower of 8-60 wt. %, a porosity of 20-95%, and a degree of thermal shrinkage at 100° C. of 10% or lower.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and highly productive mixing head apparatus that achieves high agitation of a liquid blend and improves the smooth flow of the liquid blend from a discharge port, and a molding method using the same. In the mixing head apparatus wherein two types of chemically reactive fluid component materials 5 are expelled into a chamber interior 10 from fine holes respectively provided in side walls 11 of the chamber so that both component materials 5 impinge on and mix with each other, a plurality ranging from two to four of fine holes 30 are provided for at least one of both component materials 5, center axis lines 35 at distal ends of two or more of the two to four fine holes 30 intersecting with each other in the chamber interior 10, so that jets 50 of the component material expelled from the fine holes 30 with intersecting center axis lines impinge on each other in the chamber interior 10 prior to impingement with the other component material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making same. In one embodiment, the treadmill belt includes a fabric base layer and a foamed cushion layer foamed on and integral with the fabric base layer. The foamed cushion layer includes a thermoplastic composition and has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 80. In one example, the first foamed cushion layer is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.35 inches thick. The thermoplastic composition, prior to being foamed, includes about 1 part to about 5 parts of a foaming agent, e.g., a chemical foaming agent, based on 100 parts thermoplastic material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride. An outer wear layer is securely adhered on the foamed cushion layer to sandwich the foamed cushion layer between the fabric base layer and outer wear layer thereby defining the treadmill belt.

Abstract: A sealing gasket includes a liner and a polyurethane foam layer disposed on the liner. The polyurethane foam layer can have a density of 50 kg/m3 to 250 kg/m3, a force-to-compress at 25% compression of not greater than 5.0 psi, and an 50% springback parameter of not greater than 2.0 seconds. The polyurethane foam has a thickness in a range of 0.3 mm to 10.0 mm. A surface of the polyurethane foam layer has a skin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a foam molded article in which upstanding portions are formed on a peripheral edge of a main body portion inexpensively by greatly increasing a yield of a mold. To achieve this object, in a manufacturing method for a foam molded article, a plate surface of the main body portion on a side where the upstanding portions is molded by side surfaces 21b, 31b of a continuous projecting portion defined when a male mold 20 and a female mold 30 are clamped such that projecting portions 21, 31 formed respectively on the male mold 20 and the female mold 30 are inserted into each other alternately, and inner surfaces of the upstanding portions are molded by tip end surfaces 21a, 31a of the projecting portions inserted into each other alternately when the male mold and the female mold are clamped.

Abstract: A method of creating a foam pattern comprises mixing a polyol component and an isocyanate component to form a liquid mixture. The method further comprises placing a temporary core having a shape corresponding to a desired internal feature in a cavity of a mold and inserting the mixture into the cavity of the mold so that the mixture surrounds a portion of the temporary core. The method optionally further comprises using supporting pins made of foam to support the core in the mold cavity, with such pins becoming integral part of the pattern material simplifying subsequent processing. The method further comprises waiting for a predetermined time sufficient for a reaction from the mixture to form a foam pattern structure corresponding to the cavity of the mold, wherein the foam pattern structure encloses a portion of the temporary core and removing the temporary core from the pattern independent of chemical leaching.

Abstract: Composite coated wood products, and methods to produce such products, are described by embodiments of the invention. Composite layers may comprise polymer and fillers, such as organic fillers and inorganic fillers. The composite layers may also be foamed in some embodiments of the invention. Such composite coated wood products may be structural or non-structural pieces that may provide safe, economical, easy to manufacture construction products that may be utilized with wood composites, and other plastic composites. Such products may also promote uniformity of appearance in objects constructed with the composite coated wood products in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene film, which comprises: a step of forming a film using a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material; a step of biaxially drawing the film obtained in the step in the x-axis direction and in the y-axis direction at a temperature not less than the melting point of the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material; and the step of shrinking the film along at least one of the x-axis direction and y-axis direction. By this method, a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene film having high tensile strength at break, high tear strength and excellent uniformity can be efficiently produced at low cost.

Abstract: Described herein are foam-like materials having substantially the same physical structure of polyurethane foams but with properties that can be tailored for a particular application. Methods of forming these foam-like materials are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a microporous polyolefin membrane formed by fine fibrils, the membrane comprising (A) a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more or (B) a composition containing Component (A), connected to each other, and having micropores of 0.05 to 5 ?m in average pore size and crystal lamellas of Component (A) or (B) being in a specific alignment state. The method includes extruding a solution of Component (A) or (B) in a solvent into a gel-like formed article; thermally setting the article, with or without stretching, at least at the crystal dispersion temperature of Component (A) or (B), but at melting point of Component (A) or (B) plus 30° C. or lower; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides porous biomaterials and methods for forming porous biomaterials. The porous biomaterials of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer scaffold defining an array of pores, wherein substantially all the pores have a similar diameter, wherein the mean diameter of the pores is between about 20 and about 90 micrometers, wherein substantially all the pores are each connected to at least 4 other pores, and wherein the diameter of substantially all the connections between the pores is between about 15% and about 40% of the mean diameter of the pores. The invention also provides implantable devices comprising a layer of a biomaterial, and methods for promoting angiogenesis in and around an implantable biomaterial.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a structure in the form of a plate, and structure in the form of a plate, in particular formed from silicon, including at least one substrate, a superstrate and at least one intermediate layer interposed between the substrate and the superstrate, in which the intermediate layer comprises at least one base material having distributed therein atoms or molecules termed extrinsic atoms or molecules which differ from the atoms or molecules of the base material, and in which a heat treatment is applied to said plate so that, in the temperature range of said heat treatment, the intermediate layer is plastically deformable and the presence of the selected extrinsic atoms or molecules in the selected base material causes the irreversible formation of micro-bubbles or micro-cavities in the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porogen compositions comprising a core material and shell material, methods of making such porogen compositions, methods of forming such porous materials using such porogen compositions, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoplastic polyurethane with at least one plasticizer, where at least one first plasticizer (i) is based on glycerol, and at least one hydroxy group of the glycerol has been esterified with a monocarboxylic acid (ii) which comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms, and very particularly preferably 2 carbon atoms. The invention further comprises a process for producing the thermoplastic polyurethane with the plasticizer (i), a process for coating products with said thermoplastic polyurethane, the use of the thermoplastic polyurethane, and also the use of plasticizers based on glycerol for thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: This invention relates to chemical polymer compositions, methods of synthesis, and fabrication methods for devices regarding polymers capable of displaying shape memory behavior (SMPs) and which can first be polymerized to a linear or branched polymeric structure, having thermoplastic properties, subsequently processed into a device through processes typical of polymer melts, solutions, and dispersions and then crossed linked to a shape memory thermoset polymer retaining the processed shape.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing of an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, comprising the steps of extruding a polymer solution through the outer ring slit of a hollow fiber spinning nozzle, simultaneously extruding a center fluid through the inner bore of the hollow fiber spinning nozzle, into a precipitation bath, whereby the polymer solution contains 10 to 26 wt-% of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) or polyarylethersulfone (PAES), 8 to 15 wt-% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 55 to 75 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 3 to 9 wt-% water the centre fluid contains 70 to 90 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 10 to 30 wt-% water, and the precipitation bath contains 0 to 20 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 80 to 100 wt-% water.

Abstract: The present invention enables easy manufacturing of a thermal insulating fine fiber and the like, for example, having a high degree of freedom in size and shape and excellent thermal insulating properties. In a manufacturing method according to the present invention, a first end of a preform constituted by bundling a plurality of pipes 1 is sealed, and suction of inner gas of each of the pipes is carried out from a second end side of the preform. By heating the preform with the internal pressure of each of the pipes being thus reduced from the first end side and drawing the preform, a fine fiber is made from the preform. While drawing the preform, by intermittently providing the fine fiber with sealing portions for sealing holes in the fine fiber, a thermal insulating fine fiber is manufactured.

Abstract: A foamed article comprising a polyolefin resin composition (I) comprising a polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A), a polyolefin resin (B), and an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified polyolefin resin and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative-modified polyolefin resin (C); the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A) being present in an amount of 1 to 70 mass %, the polyolefin resin (B) being present in an amount of 20 to 98.5 mass %, and the modified polyolefin resin (C) being present in an amount of 0.5 to 40 mass % with respect to the total amount of the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A), the polyolefin resin (B), and the modified polyolefin resin (C); the foamed article having an expansion ratio ranging from 1.3 to 5; the polyvinyl alcohol fiber (A) comprising polyvinyl alcohol filaments (A-I) and a sizing agent (A-II), the sizing agent (A-II) being present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polyvinyl alcohol filaments (A-I).

Abstract: Nanoporous membranes comprising single walled, double walled, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes embedded in a matrix material were fabricated for fluid mechanics and mass transfer studies on the nanometer scale and commercial applications. Average pore size can be 2 nm to 20 nm, or seven nm or less, or two nanometers or less. The membrane can be free of large voids spanning the membrane such that transport of material such as gas or liquid occurs exclusively through the tubes. Fast fluid, vapor, and liquid transport are observed. Versatile micromachining methods can be used for membrane fabrication. A single chip can comprise multiple membranes. These membranes are a robust platform for the study of confined molecular transport, with applications in liquid and gas separations and chemical sensing including desalination, dialysis, and fabric formation.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided that are related to cellular materials that have a precisely-determined arrangement of voids formed using surface transformation. In various embodiments, the cellular materials are suitable for use in various structural, mechanical and/or thermal applications. One aspect of the present subject matter is a method of forming cellular material. According to various embodiments of the method, a predetermined arrangement of the plurality of holes is formed in a volume of material through a surface of the volume of material. The volume of material is annealed such that the volume of material undergoes a surface transformation in which the arrangement of the plurality of holes is transformed into a predetermined arrangement of at least one empty space below the surface of the volume of material. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A process for the production of an open-cell carbon foam from a metallic salt of a lignosulfonate is described. The process includes heating the metallic salt of a lignosulfonate from ambient temperature to a maximum temperature, greater than about 250° C., at a rate sufficiently slow as to provide for essentially uniform heating of the lignin derived material. Heating of the lignin derived material is performed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere having a pressure greater than about 100 psig. The resultant carbon foam can subsequently be optionally subjected to carbonization or graphitization temperatures as desired. The resultant carbon foam has a regular open-cell structure. Densities of the carbon foam products are commonly in the range of about 0.1 g/cm3 to 0.2 g/cm3. The carbon foams may also exhibit compressive strengths of up to about 200 psi. The carbon foam materials potentially have utility as lightweight thermal barriers and in many other of the applications associated with carbon foams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane, kit, and method of making a hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer membrane. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer membrane includes a hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer includes one or more hydrophilic monomers having a sulfonated polyarylsulfone monomer and a second monomer and one or more hydrophobic monomers having a non-sulfonated third monomer and a fourth monomer. The sulfonated polyarylsulfone monomer introduces a sulfonate into the hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer prior to polymerization.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to porous membranes and methods of making the same. An example of the method includes exposing a polymeric film (including a polymer and i) a gel-forming polymer, ii) ceramic particles, or iii) combinations of i and ii) established on a carrier belt to a non-solvent or a slightly miscible solvent of a polymer in the polymeric film, thereby inducing formation of a porous structure in the polymeric film. The method further includes transporting the polymeric film on the carrier belt into a bath of a non-solvent or a slightly miscible solvent of the polymer for a predetermined time thereby finalizing the formation of the porous structure and forming the porous membrane. The porous membrane is removed from the non-solvent or slightly miscible solvent bath.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of making porous structures or materials, including the colloidal processing (e.g. slip casting, pressure casting, tape casting or electrophoretic deposition) of solid particle emulsions to form a green body that can be directly sintered without a de-binding step.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous ceramic material, particularly for thermal insulation, comprising the steps of: providing a first composition in the form of a stable aqueous colloidal solution of silica and oxides of alkaline metals; providing a second stable composition in the form of a suspension in an organic liquid of inorganic and/or organic particles, the second composition containing compounds which, when the second composition is mixed with the first composition, can destabilize the first composition, forming gel, and can form an organic polymeric net together with a blowing agent; mixing the first composition and the second composition to form a mixture; forming from the mixture a porous structure in gel form, where an organic structure supports inorganic structures being formed; solidifying the porous structure in gel form, obtaining a porous ceramic material in which an organic polymeric net surrounds inorganic portions.

Abstract: A styrenic monomer-diolefin copolymer comprises polystyrenic monomer micro-blocks and polydiolefin micro-blocks, in which the content of styrenic monomer units is 10-80 wt %, the ratio of diolefin units of 1,2-structure is less than 30% in the total diolefin units, and the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the copolymer is 25,000-500,000. The preparation methods and uses in foam products thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Inflated fibers of regenerated cellulose and other regenerated structures are formed from ionic liquid/cellulose dope. Fibers so produced may be incorporated into absorbent sheet with other papermaking fibers to provide softness, bulk and absorbency.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a molding composition from a raw material melt which is charged with an additive includes the steps: charging a conveyor apparatus with a raw material which includes a liquid or gooey pasty composition or a granulate; converting the raw material into a raw material melt by heat supply to the raw material; charging the raw material melt with an additive; mixing of the raw material melt with the additive to produce a molding composition; and discharging the molding composition from the conveyor apparatus. The charging of the raw material melt with the additive takes place through a metering device which is arranged in a passage section of the conveyor apparatus and/or subsequent to the conveyor apparatus with the raw material melt flowing through and/or around the passage section. The metering device includes at least one metering element which is arranged in a recess of the passage section.

Abstract: A blind or shelter has a base structure with a framework mounted to the base structure and defines an access door opening. Composite wall and roof panels are mounted to the framework and have an intermediate structural core being embedded within a body of polymer foam material. At least some of the composite wall panels have window openings with window assemblies and define transparent moveable window panes for the window openings. An access door assembly is pivotally supported by the framework and is composed of a composite door panel formed of polymer foam material having a structural core panel embedded therein. The polymer foam is molded to have the appearance of faux tree bark or to have any other desired external appearance.

Abstract: A method of improving the water permeability and/or cleaning a porous polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane, preferably a hydrophobic/hydrophilic blended membrane, eg P VdF/PVP comprising the step of contacting the porous polymeric membrane with a source of monopersulfate, preferably an aqueous solution of 2KHSO5.KHSO4.K2SO4.

Abstract: A microporous polyethylene membrane having well-balanced permeability, mechanical properties, heat shrinkage resistance, compression resistance, electrolytic solution absorbability, shutdown properties and meltdown properties, with an average pore diameter changing in a thickness direction is produced by melt-blending a polyethylene resin and a membrane-forming solvent to prepare a solution A having a resin concentration of 25 to 50% by mass and a solution B having a resin concentration of 10 to 30% by mass, the resin concentration in the solution A being higher than that in the solution B, (a) simultaneously extruding the resin solutions A and B through a die, cooling the resultant extrudate to provide a gel-like sheet in which the resin solutions A and B are laminated, and removing the membrane-forming solvent from the gel-like sheet, or (b) extruding the resin solutions A and B through separate dies, removing the membrane-forming solvent from the resultant gel-like sheets A and B to form microporous polyet

Abstract: Provided is a microporous film which is made of a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by mass of a polypropylene resin and (b) 5 to 90 parts by mass of a polyphenylene ether resin, and which has a sea island structure comprising a sea portion comprising the polypropylene resin as a principal component and an island portion comprising the polyphenylene ether resin as a principal component, wherein pores are formed at an interface between the sea portion and the island portion and within the sea portion.

Abstract: A process for producing a zeolite membrane comprising a seed crystal forming step of placing, in a pressure-resistant vessel, a seeding sol containing silica, water and a structure-directing agent and a support in a state that the support is immersed in the seeding sol and heating the heat-resistant vessel to form a zeolite seed crystal on the surface of the support, and a membrane formation step of allowing the zeolite seed crystal to grow to form a zeolite membrane on the surface of the support. In the seed crystal forming step, the molar ratio of water/silica in the seeding sol is set 10 to 50 and the heating of the pressure-resistant vessel is conducted at 90 to 130° C. The crystal c-axis of the present zeolite membrane is oriented in a direction vertical to the surface of the support and its thickness is uniform.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a void-containing resin molded product which enables producing a void-containing resin molded product having a high color saturation and an appearance excellent in brightness and heat insulation properties by stretching polymer-molded product containing a single crystalline polymer, and a void-containing resin molded product obtained by the production method. A first aspect of the method for producing a void-containing resin molded product is a method for producing a void-containing resin molded product, the method including: stretching a polymer-molded product containing a single crystalline polymer in at least one axial direction, wherein a yield stress (A) and a stress (L30) at an elongation of 30% in a stress-strain curve of the polymer-molded product in the stretching in the one axial direction satisfy Relationship (I): L30/A<0.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. The upper surface of the first portion is in contact with the upper. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface, with the upper surface of the second portion being in contact with the upper. The second portion comprises a foam material having a density less than 0.25 g/cm3.